INZAI JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND TEA CEREMONY
The students arrived to Inzai for their first of two days at Inzai Junior High classes. They were distributed into different homerooms after being told the school rules, which were not unlike the ones back home other than the fact that they were they were not allowed to chew gum and food is to be eaten at lunch only in the allocated time. Ok so the second rule is slightly different, however lunch is catered for every student in the school and that eliminated the excess rubbish that plagues the schools in Australia. The students attended different classes, which included traditional Japanese calligraphy, mathematics, and also English classes, thankfully the kids from lakeside excelled in the English classes. After the delicious school lunch we all hoped into different cars down to the local community library to experience a traditional tea ceremony, due to my bad knees they catered for us by having us sit on chairs which made the whole gang pleased that they didn’t have to spend the hour kneeling. The tea ceremony was one of real structure and tradition where every movement, every position of the utensils had to be precise. The ceremony started with a really sweet cake slice to help off set the taste of the tea. Following the cake, which the students hesitated in eating to begin with due to the different smell and texture, we were all presented with a bowl of hot green tea. The bowl was placed in the left hand and rotated clockwise twice with the right hand, the presenter then bows and hands the bowl to the recipient who rotates it again clockwise twice and drinks from it then rotates it back before handing it back. The tea was very bitter however had an alluring taste which was difficult to describe. The students then had an opportunity to make the tea themselves and present it to a fellow class member. The students then asked questions of the ladies and presented them with the traditional Australian gift of a little plastic Koala. The students returned back to school to spend the rest of the evening with their host families as the staff got ready for a staff dinner that night at a traditional …………. Italian Restaurant!
JAPANESE ITALIAN FOOD AND PACHINKO GO! GO! GO!
We arrived to a quaint little Italian restaurant not to far from the school and the area we were living in. Upon arriving we were besieged by the amount of food that was presented to us and the diversity of the Italian cuisine on offer. All types of pasta, risotto using Japanese mushrooms, fresh pizza and the vino was flowing! Even with the difficulties of the language barrier the party hit high gear when the phrase book was pulled out and my broken Japanese skills were put to the test. This led to an impromptu Japanese lesson where each sound in the Japanese alphabet was made clear to me. We laughed and ate till we could have no more. A stunning meal which brought together two cultures of educators in the common love of fine dining! After the end of the night I spotted what is known as a Pachinko hall called ZUES SLOTS. After viewing Weird Al Yankovic’s “Complete Al” where he visited Japan and was mesmerized by Pachinko I just had to see it for myself. Pachinko is the Japanese version of the pokies. It consists of these metal balls pinging through a machine, I wish I could explain it in more detail however that is all I know about Pachinko. Mrs. Nakamura and I enter the hall to discover that the Pachinko hall had no Pachinko only the slots which were interesting in themselves. Unlike the pokies here the slots in Japan consist of 3 buttons and computer screens that showed Japanese cartoons, which was the theme of each machine. You put your cash in to receive tokens. I couldn’t figure out how many tokens you get for your yen so I just placed 1000 Yen in the machine to receive a handful of tokens. I made my way to the speed racer machine (or otherwise known as GO! GO! GO! in Japan.) after a few spins and not knowing what was going on I started to see the tokens disappear at a quick rate. Just as I was coming to grips with the fact that the 1000 Yen was gone, we were grabbed by one of the staff and told to check out the lucky 777 machine on the other side of the room, which we did. Again putting coins in and pressing the buttons was my ultimate strategy, then to my surprise the machine made a weird sound and this little blue light came up, not knowing what was happening I called over one of the attendees who smiled and started hitting buttons, to my surprise it seemed that I was winning. So as any person in this situation would do I started to hit more buttons to the sound of buzzers and whistles going off. Once the excitement of the commotion had ended I hit the cash in button and watched the coins come flowing out of the machine. I went to cash them in as I figured I might as well end while I was ahead. The tokens were placed in a counting machine that spat out a receipt. I took that over to the counter and I was told to pick a can of drink. The first thing that went through my mind was after all that noise and 375 odd tokens I win a can of mountain dew? That can’t be right, can it? Well it wasn’t I got another drink and a Twinkie. Oh and also these little red boxes we were marched out to the back were the boxes were slipped into a deposit box were a minute later I was handed a crisp 5000 Yen note and a 500 Yen coin. Some how I was able to turn my 1000 Yen into 5500 Yen, how I have no Idea and it will be another one of those life mysteries that I think will never be solved, with that my career as a professional Pachinko and Japanese Slots player ended. Well after such a big win where do you think I would head to next you may ask? DISNEY LAND OF COURSE!!!!! Which Ironically happened to be our next destination, talk about timing?
Where I'm at.....
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
WHEN WE HIT JAPAN!!! Post 3
INZAI JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Red eyed and wet we arrive to Inzai to drop off our bags. Were taken out for lunch before the assembly and where would you take 14 people from Australia for their first meal in Japan? Why to the local Italian restaurant of course. The food in Japan has a real quality that is difficult to explain, oh and restaurants like to display their dishes in a glass cabinet. The restaurant had some of the most famous Italian masterpieces carefully wallpapered all over the place. Also Japan is one giant comic book with everything explained in little diagrams that anyone could understand.
Assembly at Inzai displayed a level of respect and courtesy from the students that would make any principle in Australia enviously. We proudly marched into the hall with the Australian national anthem played by the School band. The Harmony of the students singing the school song was phenomenal. I can safely say that I understood at least half of the Assembly, gifts were exchanged and greetings by the Lakeside crew were delivered in broken Japanese however the effort was commendable. The students were treated like rock stars where a simple thumbs up from one of the boys would get the girls at Inzai jumping up and down with excitement. After the assembly the students met their host students and went off to experience life as a Japanese student. The average class size at Inzai is about 32 students. Inzai is also the school that the Japanese pole-vaulting champion attended.
4 pm couldn’t of come quick enough, as it was now a good day and a half we have been up without getting any sleep. The students and teachers were distributed amongst their host families to get a little rest, have a long overdue shower or bath, unpack and get ready for the welcome dinner, which was the official opening to the Lakeside – Inzai Exchange.
EON MALL
The official opening of the exchange program, the students looked superb in their kimonos and the host families were beaming with pride as they showed off their guests to the others around. We called a COMPAI – which is a Japanese Cheers, and toasted the safe arrival and the beginning of the 20th year of thf]]e Inzai – Lakeside exchange. There were more speeches made and we shared a spread of tasty Japanese cuisine. Both schools represented the official gifts and the families with their guests were introduced to the crowd. The highlight was the English speech that was given by the two young boys in grade 2 and 5. The night was concluded by the Lakeside group wearily singing the national anthem of Australia, Waltzin Matilda and I am, you are Austalian, followed by the Inzai school song. To conclude the night I bought what has at this stag1e turned out to be the most important purchase to date. A Japanese phrase book. With an early start tomorrow for our trip to Mt. Fuji we all headed home for a well earned sleep.
Red eyed and wet we arrive to Inzai to drop off our bags. Were taken out for lunch before the assembly and where would you take 14 people from Australia for their first meal in Japan? Why to the local Italian restaurant of course. The food in Japan has a real quality that is difficult to explain, oh and restaurants like to display their dishes in a glass cabinet. The restaurant had some of the most famous Italian masterpieces carefully wallpapered all over the place. Also Japan is one giant comic book with everything explained in little diagrams that anyone could understand.
Assembly at Inzai displayed a level of respect and courtesy from the students that would make any principle in Australia enviously. We proudly marched into the hall with the Australian national anthem played by the School band. The Harmony of the students singing the school song was phenomenal. I can safely say that I understood at least half of the Assembly, gifts were exchanged and greetings by the Lakeside crew were delivered in broken Japanese however the effort was commendable. The students were treated like rock stars where a simple thumbs up from one of the boys would get the girls at Inzai jumping up and down with excitement. After the assembly the students met their host students and went off to experience life as a Japanese student. The average class size at Inzai is about 32 students. Inzai is also the school that the Japanese pole-vaulting champion attended.
4 pm couldn’t of come quick enough, as it was now a good day and a half we have been up without getting any sleep. The students and teachers were distributed amongst their host families to get a little rest, have a long overdue shower or bath, unpack and get ready for the welcome dinner, which was the official opening to the Lakeside – Inzai Exchange.
EON MALL
The official opening of the exchange program, the students looked superb in their kimonos and the host families were beaming with pride as they showed off their guests to the others around. We called a COMPAI – which is a Japanese Cheers, and toasted the safe arrival and the beginning of the 20th year of thf]]e Inzai – Lakeside exchange. There were more speeches made and we shared a spread of tasty Japanese cuisine. Both schools represented the official gifts and the families with their guests were introduced to the crowd. The highlight was the English speech that was given by the two young boys in grade 2 and 5. The night was concluded by the Lakeside group wearily singing the national anthem of Australia, Waltzin Matilda and I am, you are Austalian, followed by the Inzai school song. To conclude the night I bought what has at this stag1e turned out to be the most important purchase to date. A Japanese phrase book. With an early start tomorrow for our trip to Mt. Fuji we all headed home for a well earned sleep.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
WHEN WE HIT JAPAN!!! Post 2
Day 2: Narita Airport and Narita Temple
Surprise, Surprise I was able to get a good 2 hours of uncomfortable sleep on the flight, To wake up finding a majority of the Lakeside crew still dreaming of their upcoming adventure. The flight was extremely turbulent, however most of us were able to manage this well. (Not all were able to keep their food down, but that is not my story to tell.) I was fortunate enough to watch an amazing Korean film entitled “A man who was Superman” This was a true story of a man who spent the last years of his life thinking he was Superman who had a piece of kryptonite stuck in his brain making him powerless. That is all I will say about the film but the reveal brought a tear to my eye.
We land in the cleanest place on earth; I was stunned at how tidy the airport was. My previous experiences when it came to exiting an airport consisted of a mad scramble to collect your bag, which took at least 30 minutes. Not so here, we scan in our fingerprints and by the time we get to the carousel to collect our bags, amazingly they were all their neatly waiting for us. (I snuck in a photo not realising that pictures are not allowed in the customs area) Walking out we meet up with representatives of Inzai Junior High to greet us at the gates. Apparently no one told the Japanese that it is meant to be summer in this part of the world as the rain started to drizzle around us.
The courtesy of our Japanese hosts is one of true love, knowing that our first destination was the temple they stopped and bought each and everyone of us umbrellas, really nice umbrellas. (I think I might take it home and give it to my mother for her birthday.) We arrived at the temple and I was blown away by the majesty of the temple and it’s surrounding. The main temple was at the top of what felt like a thousand steps with the water trickling down gave it more of a regal feel. The sight of this ancient architectural masterpiece made me feel a sense of wanting to see the holy Coptic monasteries of Egypt. I took a time out while the students entered the temple; I have the upmost respect for the culture that was shown however I didn’t feel that I could enter a temple that worships another god.
Standing at the top of the steps peering down at what looked like a daunting decent in the humid rains, a victory for common sense prevailed, as I was able to take the lift down. (Also I learnt that when in doubt add an o sound to the word you are attempting to communicate to the locals.) At the base of the temple again we as a group were able to see the small souvenir stalls. This is where the Egyptian blood kicked in and the bartering began, in a mighty battle of wits and determination between the shopkeeper who only spoke Japanese and the Egyptian barging king from Craigieburn (who at this stage has mastered the phrase “Domi Arigato” or Thank you. (not something that needs to be said in the beginning of a negotiation) I was able to talk down the price of 4 traditional Japanese spinning drums from the asking price of 1600 yen to an impressive 1300-yen to celebrate my victory with a taste of my first Dr. Pepper in a long time. JAPAN HOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST SOFTDRINKS!
Well it's off to the reason why we came, TO INZAI JUNIOR HIGHSCHOOL WE GO!!!
Mr. Sidhom
Surprise, Surprise I was able to get a good 2 hours of uncomfortable sleep on the flight, To wake up finding a majority of the Lakeside crew still dreaming of their upcoming adventure. The flight was extremely turbulent, however most of us were able to manage this well. (Not all were able to keep their food down, but that is not my story to tell.) I was fortunate enough to watch an amazing Korean film entitled “A man who was Superman” This was a true story of a man who spent the last years of his life thinking he was Superman who had a piece of kryptonite stuck in his brain making him powerless. That is all I will say about the film but the reveal brought a tear to my eye.
We land in the cleanest place on earth; I was stunned at how tidy the airport was. My previous experiences when it came to exiting an airport consisted of a mad scramble to collect your bag, which took at least 30 minutes. Not so here, we scan in our fingerprints and by the time we get to the carousel to collect our bags, amazingly they were all their neatly waiting for us. (I snuck in a photo not realising that pictures are not allowed in the customs area) Walking out we meet up with representatives of Inzai Junior High to greet us at the gates. Apparently no one told the Japanese that it is meant to be summer in this part of the world as the rain started to drizzle around us.
The courtesy of our Japanese hosts is one of true love, knowing that our first destination was the temple they stopped and bought each and everyone of us umbrellas, really nice umbrellas. (I think I might take it home and give it to my mother for her birthday.) We arrived at the temple and I was blown away by the majesty of the temple and it’s surrounding. The main temple was at the top of what felt like a thousand steps with the water trickling down gave it more of a regal feel. The sight of this ancient architectural masterpiece made me feel a sense of wanting to see the holy Coptic monasteries of Egypt. I took a time out while the students entered the temple; I have the upmost respect for the culture that was shown however I didn’t feel that I could enter a temple that worships another god.
Standing at the top of the steps peering down at what looked like a daunting decent in the humid rains, a victory for common sense prevailed, as I was able to take the lift down. (Also I learnt that when in doubt add an o sound to the word you are attempting to communicate to the locals.) At the base of the temple again we as a group were able to see the small souvenir stalls. This is where the Egyptian blood kicked in and the bartering began, in a mighty battle of wits and determination between the shopkeeper who only spoke Japanese and the Egyptian barging king from Craigieburn (who at this stage has mastered the phrase “Domi Arigato” or Thank you. (not something that needs to be said in the beginning of a negotiation) I was able to talk down the price of 4 traditional Japanese spinning drums from the asking price of 1600 yen to an impressive 1300-yen to celebrate my victory with a taste of my first Dr. Pepper in a long time. JAPAN HOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST SOFTDRINKS!
Well it's off to the reason why we came, TO INZAI JUNIOR HIGHSCHOOL WE GO!!!
Mr. Sidhom
WHEN WE HIT JAPAN!!!
Koniciwa……………! Mr. Sidhom in the land of the Rising Sun
Well it has finally arrived the day that I travel to a foreign land for the first time since returning from Fiji in those life-changing days back in the summer of 2005. Japan is a destination that I have always wanted to visit, it is a land of deep history and culture while also being at the forefront of the worlds future endeavours.
The opportunity arose when my school that I work at was organising the trip to their sister school which occurs every two years, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t let go.
Day 1: Melbourne Airport
Arriving at the Airport with a real feeling of apprehension however I was amazed at the efficiency of the good people working at Melbourne airport. We went through customs and onto the flight with little problems. The problems started as soon as we boarded the flight. An arrogant flight staff that were rude and constantly confronted the passengers with everything except a smile made the 7-hour flight difficult. (It doesn’t help when they talk to each other in their own tongue in front of the passengers) Occupying a seat near the back of the flight made up for this, as I was able to enjoy the really awesome in flight entertainment that was “On Demand!” I could watch what I wanted when I wanted. A few hours later I was joined by some of the boys where they showed me that my PSP skills have lapsed immensely over the years. (My revenge will come though!)
About to land in Malaysia, please turn off all electrical devices and put your tray tables up and have your seat in the upright position. Why is it that every time I land people constantly disregards the fact that the seat belt sign is still lit and get up to collect their bags before the plane had stopped moving?
Day 1: MISSADVENTURE IN MALAYSIA…….
I’m the last one off the flight and saw that the students and other staff had disappeared. I see that there is a line of people waiting to go through some gate so naturally I patently join the line. Slowly moving through the security area and I pass over my ticket to the confusion of the staff.
“Where are you going?” quires the airline staff,
I reply “Japan” which draws a blank stare, followed with a look of confusion.
“Ah, this is the flight to Sydney…….” Explained the really annoyed airline staff member.
“OH Ok, um how do I get to Japan then?” I asked.
He points me back through the security gate and I sheepishly made my way out to the emptiness of the airport terminal.
I move out and the first thing that goes though my mind is “Where is everyone?”
I decided to make my way to the terminal that our connecting flight to Japan was boarding at. This consisted of a train ride across the airport and 4 travelators down, only to find that there was no one there and that all the cool shops were back to where I was initially. So back on the train and a good walk around the majestic KL airport looking for the gang. I hear a bellow from above of “SIDHOM!” Where I finally found the group having a bite to eat and realising that they have changed way too much money into Malaysian currency for the hour and a half that we were at the airport.
Third times a charm on the train between terminals (I could of rode that thing all day!) and we board a half full flight to Japan which now consists of the polar opposite of cabin crew as they couldn’t be friendlier, a pink panther later (really Guava juice) and we were on our way to Japan.
Now I wish I had an amazing story to tell about the flight to Japan but at the time of writing this other than myself the whole Lakeside gang are fast asleep. I’ve never been one to sleep on flights and with such an array of shows and movies I doubt it that will change for this leg of the trip. (Although anything can happen)
Ja Mata ashita (See you tomorrow)
Mr. Sidhom.
Well it has finally arrived the day that I travel to a foreign land for the first time since returning from Fiji in those life-changing days back in the summer of 2005. Japan is a destination that I have always wanted to visit, it is a land of deep history and culture while also being at the forefront of the worlds future endeavours.
The opportunity arose when my school that I work at was organising the trip to their sister school which occurs every two years, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t let go.
Day 1: Melbourne Airport
Arriving at the Airport with a real feeling of apprehension however I was amazed at the efficiency of the good people working at Melbourne airport. We went through customs and onto the flight with little problems. The problems started as soon as we boarded the flight. An arrogant flight staff that were rude and constantly confronted the passengers with everything except a smile made the 7-hour flight difficult. (It doesn’t help when they talk to each other in their own tongue in front of the passengers) Occupying a seat near the back of the flight made up for this, as I was able to enjoy the really awesome in flight entertainment that was “On Demand!” I could watch what I wanted when I wanted. A few hours later I was joined by some of the boys where they showed me that my PSP skills have lapsed immensely over the years. (My revenge will come though!)
About to land in Malaysia, please turn off all electrical devices and put your tray tables up and have your seat in the upright position. Why is it that every time I land people constantly disregards the fact that the seat belt sign is still lit and get up to collect their bags before the plane had stopped moving?
Day 1: MISSADVENTURE IN MALAYSIA…….
I’m the last one off the flight and saw that the students and other staff had disappeared. I see that there is a line of people waiting to go through some gate so naturally I patently join the line. Slowly moving through the security area and I pass over my ticket to the confusion of the staff.
“Where are you going?” quires the airline staff,
I reply “Japan” which draws a blank stare, followed with a look of confusion.
“Ah, this is the flight to Sydney…….” Explained the really annoyed airline staff member.
“OH Ok, um how do I get to Japan then?” I asked.
He points me back through the security gate and I sheepishly made my way out to the emptiness of the airport terminal.
I move out and the first thing that goes though my mind is “Where is everyone?”
I decided to make my way to the terminal that our connecting flight to Japan was boarding at. This consisted of a train ride across the airport and 4 travelators down, only to find that there was no one there and that all the cool shops were back to where I was initially. So back on the train and a good walk around the majestic KL airport looking for the gang. I hear a bellow from above of “SIDHOM!” Where I finally found the group having a bite to eat and realising that they have changed way too much money into Malaysian currency for the hour and a half that we were at the airport.
Third times a charm on the train between terminals (I could of rode that thing all day!) and we board a half full flight to Japan which now consists of the polar opposite of cabin crew as they couldn’t be friendlier, a pink panther later (really Guava juice) and we were on our way to Japan.
Now I wish I had an amazing story to tell about the flight to Japan but at the time of writing this other than myself the whole Lakeside gang are fast asleep. I’ve never been one to sleep on flights and with such an array of shows and movies I doubt it that will change for this leg of the trip. (Although anything can happen)
Ja Mata ashita (See you tomorrow)
Mr. Sidhom.
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